Senior Commissioned Investigator Region I\\C

State of Missouri; St. James (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Missouri Division of Fire Safety is seeking an Investigator to work with law enforcement and fire service partners to determine the origin and cause of fires, explosions, and related crimes. The role may involve criminal arrests and presenting evidence in court.

Applicants must hold POST certification, fire investigator certification, and have 3+ years in fire or criminal investigation, with specialized arson training.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited four-year high school, or equivalent per State requirements.
• Peace Officer Standards Training (P.O.S.T) Certified.
• Certified Fire Investigator by Missouri Division of Fire Safety, or complete certification within six months of employment.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in fire prevention, fire investigation, or criminal investigation.
• Completion of arson detection and investigation training by a recognized institution or agency.

Responsibilities

• Make determinations of origin and cause of fires, explosions, and related crimes; may make criminal arrests during investigations.
• Evaluate and present evidence during prosecutions; testify in criminal and civil court as needed.
• Work advanced technical investigations with federal, state, and local officials.
• Move to Franklin, Crawford, Washington, Phelps or Maries counties within 90 days of starting employment; relocation on a case-by-case basis may be approved.

Skills

POS T certified

Fire Investigator certification

Arson detection training

Fire investigation experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (Certificate of equivalency)

Job description

Since 1972, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety / Office of the State Fire Marshal has been the State of Missouri’s premier regulatory oversight and enforcement agency for Fire Investigations, Fire Inspections, Elevator and Amusement Ride Safety, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety, and Firefighter Training and Certification. The Division provides services to over 25,000 firefighters in Missouri, as well as to the 6.1 million residents and over 40 million visitors to the state, each year.

Our vision is to work with Missouri’s Fire Service and other partners to provide a safer environment for the citizens and visitors of Missouri by minimizing the threat of death, injury, and property loss. Our mission is to provide proactive statutory enforcement, regulatory oversight, and education to protect all lives and property from the devastation of fires, explosions, and life safety perils.

We value responsibility, integrity, professionalism, fairness, and dedication. The Division of Fire Safety is looking for a person who shares these values to be part of our team of fire and explosion investigators. Division of Fire Safety Investigators are Missouri POST licensed law enforcement officers stationed throughout the state to assist local fire and law enforcement agencies with fire and explosion investigations.

Job Description:

In this position, you will have the opportunity to work with both law enforcement and the fire service. Being dedicated to one job, solving the crime of arson is very rewarding, especially since it is one of the hardest crimes to prove!

In addition to challenging work that makes a difference, Investigators receive a great benefits package including paid time off, medical/vision/dental insurance, life insurance, and a defined benefits retirement.

This is advanced technical work in the investigation of fire losses. An employee in this class works with federal, state and local officials. Applicant must live in or be willing to move to the following counties within 90 days of starting employment: Franklin, Crawford, Washington, Phelps or Maries Counties. If outside of the listed counties, application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be approved by the Division Director.

Some Investigator duties relate to criminal activity; therefore, employees may be exposed to written material, photographs, and/or verbal language of a graphic and/or sexual nature. The work requirements of this position are not intended to create a hostile work environment; however, it is work of an extremely sensitive nature.

As an Investigator, you will make determination of origin and cause of fires, explosions, and related crimes. May make criminal arrests during a fire investigation. Evaluate and present evidence during prosecution. Testimony may be required in criminal and civil court cases.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Applicants for this position must meet the following statutory (320.210) and certification requirements.

• Graduate of an accredited four-year high school, or in lieu thereof, shall have obtained a certificate of equivalency from the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Peace Officer Standard Training (P.O.S.T) Certified.
• Certified as a Fire Investigator by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, or successful completion of the Fire Investigator certification course within six (6) months from date of employment.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in some phase of fire prevention, fire investigation, or criminal investigation. May include service in a public or private agency. An equivalent educational degree may satisfy all or part of the requirement. Qualifying experience and education to be determined by the Division Director.
• Successful completion of a specialized training school on arson detection and investigation by a recognized institution or agency.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Shall not have been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude.
• Shall be a citizen of the United States and shall be a resident of Missouri at the time of appointment.
• An Investigator shall not hold any other commission or office, elective or appointive, or accept any other employment while an Investigator, unless approved by the State Fire Marshal.
• An Investigator shall not accept any compensation, reward, or gift other than regular salary and expenses for the performance of official duties.
• Shall possess ordinary physical strength and be able to pass such physical and mental examinations as the State Fire Marshal may prescribe.
• Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license.

Preference may be given to individuals who have completed additional hours of law enforcement training approved by the Department of Public Safety.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact:

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